Die evaluering van 'n rasioneel-emotiewe groepsterapieprogram met kinders

Abstract

The self-concept of the child in a children's home and the effect of a RET group therapy program on self-concept formed the focal point of this research. In the literature study an attempt was made to focus on self- concept in general. Emphasis was placed on the development of self-concept as well as the role that the child's parents play in this development. The self-concept of the institusionalised child was discussed. Attention was also given to factors contributing to institusionalization and the effect of removal on the child . . Rational-emotive therapy (RET}, as a therapy that improves self-concept, was discussed. Emphasis was placed on RET with children. Irrasional thoughts with children were identified and techniques to challenge them were discussed. Attention was also given to RET group therapy and research done with RET. The design of the research and the statistical processing of the data used in this research were described. The investigation method was discussed, which included the selection and description of the sixteen experimental subjects, the use of the independant variable, discussion of the two measuring instruments, and the investigation procedure. The results of the research brought to light that a twelve week program, with RET, cannot successfully improve self-concept with children. Significant changes in the children's physical self-concept were noted. Finally a summary of the results of the research was given, as well as proposals for future research on this subject.